Plastic pipe heater

Abstract

A U-shaped heating element is attached to a bracket having an elongated back portion and ear portions joined normal to each end of the back portion. The ear portions extend to the same side of the back portion, and each ear portion has a plurality of perforations formed therethrough and a V-shaped recess formed in the extended free end thereof. The heating element is affixed to the back portion and disposed on the same side of the back as the ear portions. Plastic pipe is received in the V-shaped recesses of the ear portions, and springs hold the bracket to the pipe.

I claim: 
     
       1. A heater for use with plastic pipe, said heater comprising: a heating element; and   support means for reducing conduction of heat, said support means including a back portion and ear portions, said heating element being attached to said back portion, said ear portions extending from said back portion and being disposed on the same side of said back portion, each ear portion at the extended free end thereof having a V-shaped recess formed therein, the pipe being received within said recesses when said support means is affixed to the pipe, said heating element being held in spaced relationship to the pipe by said support means, said heating element upon actuation radiating heat, each ear portion intermediate the ends thereof having a plurality of perforations formed therethrough whereby conduction of heat from said heating element to the pipe is reduced and the pipe is warmed by radiated heat.   
     
     
       2. A heater as defined in claim 1 and further wherein a plurality of tabs are formed from said back portion, said tabs being disposed on the same side of said back portion as said ear portions, said heating element being held upon said back portion by said tabs. 
     
     
       3. A heater as defined in claim 1 and further wherein said support means includes spring members, each spring member being associated with one of said ear portions, each spring member at each end thereof having hook portions, each hook portion engaging one of said perforations, said spring members extending around the plastic pipe, whereby said support means is adjustably held to the plastic pipe. 
     
     
       4. A heater as defined in claim 1 and further wherein said back portion has a reinforcing rib, said reinforcing rib being disposed on and extending from the opposite side of said back portion from said ear portions. 
     
     
       5. A heater as defined in claim 2 and further wherein said ear portions are affixed to opposite ends of said back portion, said support means being substantially U-shaped in conformation.